Opportunity + Equity: Stepping Forward Commitment 2021 - 2023

from STEPPING FORWARD SPECIAL EDITION OF CONNECTIONS

Connections Newsletter 2021 Stepping Forward Special Edition
(L-R) Masthead photos courtesy of Fixing Fathers Inc., New Haven Pride Center/Linda-Cristal Young and Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen.

Calling the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial inequity “fundamental challenges to people's lives in Greater New Haven,” The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is stepping into this historic moment with Stepping Forward.

Stepping Forward is a supplemental commitment of $26 million to help Greater New Haven emerge stronger than ever from the coronavirus pandemic and to advance racial equity in the region. Both objectives require unprecedented action and resources, especially in local communities that have suffered disproportionate and devastating health and financial impacts. The work includes a major increase in The Foundation's grantmaking and other current spending as well as new monies for endowed funds.

Stepping Forward
is being funded through an unprecedented supplemental extraction from The Foundation's discretionary endowments and through donor contributions.

STEPPING FORWARD
WILL:

  • Increase Foundation spending in 2021-23 by $15 million over current levels.
  • Add $11 million to create three new permanent endowments that advance basic needs, racial equity and civic engagement.
  • Advance racial equity through systems change and by supporting our community’s change makers.